By: Beline Media Empire News Desk
Makeni, Sierra Leone – The Children’s Forum Network (CFN) branch in Makeni is at the center of a growing scandal after its President was accused of sexual assault, child abuse, and abuse of power.
What began as whispers among members has now evolved into a full-blown outcry, exposing not only allegations of misconduct but also a troubling culture of silence among some child protection authorities in Bombali District especially the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs in Bombali, which now faces accusations of failing to act swiftly to protect children.
The controversy came to light when children themselves bypassed formal reporting channels and turned to Associate Members of CFN in Bombali for help, saying they had nowhere else to go.
“We had to speak out because nobody was listening,” a 15-year-old CFN member told Beline Media Empire. “We expected protection, but instead, we were told to ‘keep quiet.’ We were afraid, so we turned to the Associate Members.”
The associate members formally submitted a letter of suspension outlining the allegations of sexual abuse, monopoly of office, failure to create opportunities for others, after which a subsequent meeting was held at the Ministry’s office in collaboration with the National Commission for Children. During the meeting, the Commission took full responsibility, assuring that they would investigate the matter thoroughly. However, more than a month has passed since that meeting, and no official response or update has been provided regarding the issue.
The Associate Members confirmed this account, stating they stepped in because the system failed the children. “We could no longer watch these children suffer in silence while the very people meant to protect them look the other way,” said one Associate Member. “No amount of bureaucracy should silence survivors’ voices. If we don’t act, we risk sending the message that abuse is acceptable in an organization created to protect children.”
Inside sources from CFN Bombali describe a toxic leadership style marked by monopoly of power and intimidation. Members claim the accused President hoarded opportunities, sidelined others, and created a climate of fear. “You cannot question decisions. If you try, you get punished or excluded from programs,” said a former member. “CFN was supposed to empower children. Now it feels like a tool for control.”
The allegations were formally reported to at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs office in Bombali.
When contacted by Beline Media Empire, the ministry initially responded:“Humbly I am asking that we meet in person to discuss this issue. Besides, I am begging that we give this issue a child lens since CFN is a 100% child association. Bringing any CFN issue to the public could likely cause more harm. So please, I am kindly asking we arrange a date to meet.”
When our reporter proposed Monday, September 1st for a meeting, the official from the ministry declined to respond.
Repeated efforts to meet him at his office were unsuccessful. Staff told this medium that he was “rarely in the office” and often “worked from home,” only appearing briefly for urgent matters. A colleague at the Ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed this pattern of absence.
For many activists and observers, this response and absence send the wrong message at a time when children need protection. “For a government official to suggest that allegations of abuse should be handled quietly is shocking,” said a Makeni-based child rights advocate. “This is why survivors stay silent because they feel the system will protect perpetrators, not them.”
The Associate Members of CFN have now taken a bold stance, openly challenging claims that they lack the constitutional mandate to act. “We are not interested in titles or power struggles,” said one of the advocates. “We are here to protect these children and ensure accountability. The victims trusted us, and we will not betray them.”
The CFN, founded to amplify children’s voices, now faces a credibility crisis.
The allegations and the apparent reluctance of authorities to address them have shaken public confidence in Sierra Leone’s child protection systems.
Civil society leaders warn that if this case is mishandled, it could discourage other survivors from speaking out, especially within child-focused organizations meant to be safe spaces. “This is a test for Sierra Leone’s commitment to protecting children,” said one activist. “If abuse can happen in an organization built for children, and leaders are shielded, then the entire system needs reform.”
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has not issued an official statement, and the accused President remains in office.
Meanwhile, several meetings have been called upon by the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs in Bombali and the National Commission for Children but none have been successful.
Children in Makeni say they feel abandoned by those sworn to protect them. “We joined CFN because we thought it was safe,” said a 14-year-old member. “Now we’re afraid. We just want justice.”
Beline Media Empire will continue to investigate this case, follow the developments closely, and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Comments
Post a Comment